41.   That means Maddux could start three times if the series goes the full seven games.

42.   The bullpen, unable to find a rhythm, had yet to go four games without allowing at least one home run.

43.   The Devils, who had gone five games without a victory for the first time in five years, ended the streak in grand fashion.

44.   The Lakers will open the Western Conference finals on Saturday unless the San Antonio-Dallas series goes seven games.

45.   The Lightning scored three power-play goals on nine attempts after going five games without one.

46.   The rookie defensive end Shaun Ellis has struggled in recent weeks, going three games without a sack and being held without a tackle last week.

47.   The series was so close, one said, it should have gone seven games.

48.   They have gone four games without allowing a sack for the first time in club history.

49.   Thomas has played better recently, but has now gone nine games without a goal.

50.   Those problems came to a head Wednesday, when the Pacers had a chance to go a game up on the Knicks.